How can scripture function as a critic of the Church’s life and life in our modern society
1.How can scripture function as a critic of the Church’s life and life in our modern society? Give examples.
2. In what ways is revelation seen in daily life experiences?
3.How and why is the Bible relevant in this age and in any age? Cite your own personal experiences to flesh out your answer.
Please Note: Your responses to initial postings should be based primarily on the content offered in the Online Lectures and the Reading Material.
Reading Material:
- Vatican II Docs Dei Verbum & Study Questions
- The Catechism #26-141
- Week #02 AA Biblical Interpretation (Online Lecture on word document)
VIP:
- KINDLY NOTE THAT I am Muslim and I just taking this course because it’s required to complete my degree plan at my school.
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For your reference and to get a clear picture about what you should to write, below is a students’ responses as an example:
Alex,
1. Scripture can function as a critic of life in modern society, both in the world and in the Church, by remaining an unchanging collection of God’s rules and stories of people living them out. In the Church, her authority is “not above the word of God”, and is rather a servant thereof (Dei Verbum, 10). Scripture can therefore serve very effectively as a critic of modern society in the Church, for Scripture provides constant, Spirit-inspired direction that can express the apostolic authority of what should and should not be done (Slide #12). Likewise, in our own lives in modern times, Scripture still functions as a way to bring God’s instructions to people who don’t know them, or to the vast number of Christians who are unaware of many of the basic Biblical teachings (Bible Literacy Quiz, Page 1). Even apart from Church teachings, Scripture can still be read as a relevant set of teachings and stories in any aspect of life, addressing issues that are just as prominent today as they were thousands of years ago, functioning as an unchanging set of truth that can stand in contrast to the way society is functioning.
2. “God chose to reveal Himself”, and as such, the salvation of mankind “shines out for our sake in Christ” (Dei Verbum, 2). Due to this act of Divine Revelation, it stands to reason that this revelation should be visible in daily life experiences. One way that this comes about would be the reading of Scripture; the Bible tells stories of how revelation can affect people’s lives, and as such, those who read Scripture can be made more aware of revelation in their own lives. This revelation can be seen in the Sacraments, in hope for salvation, as a feeling of peace in difficult situations, or any other indicator of a loving God who is always present in our midst. As “the treasure of revelation…may more and more fill the hearts of men” (Dei Verbum, 26), we will be better equipped to understand the extent of what God has revealed, and may be able to see and to apply this revelation to any aspect of our daily lives.
3. One of the remarkable elements of the Bible is how it can remain relevant in any age, not least of which is our own. The Sermon on the Mount, perhaps the most famous of all of Jesus’ discourses, remains very prominent for people who are mourning, people who are sorrowful, and people who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. From my own experiences, the Beatitudes have been a very good reminder that there is something greater at play when I’m in a sorrowful situation; for example, after my grandpa died, I was mourning. But I thought of how Jesus said, “Blessed are you who mourn”. He wasn’t saying I will be blessed; He says I already am! This doesn’t negate my feelings of sadness after losing my grandpa; rather, it gives them meaning, with a promise of joy to come. Issues such as death and mourning are relevant in any age, and as such, the Biblical views on these issues will continue to remain relevant.
Expert Answer: How and why is the Bible relevant in this age and in any age
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